TeddyR.Baker

Baker, Teddy R. 77, of Marion, formerly of Elgin, passed away as a result of respiratory failure at 4:50 PM, Saturday, January 5, 2013 at Heartland Regional Medical Center. Teddy was born on December 22, 1935 in Eldorado to Clarence R. and Louise (Newman) Baker. He married Shirley Fairchild on December 7, 1957 in Elgin. Together they shared fifty five years of marriage and she survives of Marion. Teddy was a veteran of the United States Navy and served during peacetime until his honorable discharge in 1959. He spent twenty-four years with the Pizza Hut Corporation and managed various locations in the Elgin area prior to his retirement. He attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and received his Bachelor's degree from Columbia University in Missouri in 2001. He was an active member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. He was a church usher and famous for his baking skills in his Sunday school class. He enjoyed baking, spending time with friends and family and hunting and fishing outdoors. Survivors include wife, Shirley Baker of Marion; Son, Craig Baker of Lake Geneva, WI; son, Scott Baker and wife Mary of Lake of Egypt; daughter, Sarah Hellmer of Elgin; fourteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; sister, Wanda Riley of Marion; several nieces and nephews; beloved fox terrier, "Lily". He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Shawn Baker; and sister, Betty Griffin. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Marion. Pastor Tim Ozment will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until time of service, Tuesday at the church. Blue Funeral Home in Marion assisted the family with cremation and memorial arrangements. Memorial donations are suggested to Aldersgate United Methodist Church/ Kitchen Fund and will be accepted at Blue Funeral Home/ 1704 N. Court/ Marion, IL 62959. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit bluefuneralhome.com.